Questor Insurance News

45% of travellers in favour of new airport runway

When it comes to airport expansion plans, the travelling public are often divided by a desire to have more flight capacity on the one hand and the potential disruption caused by such a move on the other.

Now, new research from ABTA has revealed that Brits are almost split down the middle when it comes to being for or against the prospect of an additional runway at one of London's major airports.

According to the research 45% of Brits surveyed support the idea that there should be an extra runway at either Gatwick or Heathrow, while 16% wouldn't back either option. A further 39% are neutral on this issue, perhaps overwhelmed by the wealth of information on both sides of the argument.

Whichever way travellers' vote swings, three options for airport expansion in the South East of England have already been shortlisted by The Airports Commission. These are as follows:

A third runway at Heathrow

An extension to one of the current runways

Or a second runway at Gatwick

A 12 week public consultation has now opened on the above options. The proposals come at a time when the ABTA research revealed that 71% of MPs feel that the UK faces being left behind without a forthcoming expansion plan.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said;

“It is encouraging that the public and politicians alike recognise the need for increased airport capacity. With more people welcoming new runways than opposing them the pressure is surely on for the Government to take a clear plan forward once the Airports Commission delivers its final recommendation next summer.

“There are undoubtedly concerns over noise and environmental impacts, as well as the costs of delivery and these must be openly discussed as part of this consultation. But, in our view the case for additional capacity is overwhelming – and will be fundamental to ensuring vital growth and jobs for the longer term,” he said.

Whichever UK airport you are flying out of, it's important to organise travel insurance in advance.